Season of Joy
I love the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1), who are enabled to have a baby in their old age. The baby’s name is John — whom we often call John the Baptist. God uses the pregnancy of Elizabeth in her old age to be an encouragement of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The whole season of joy that goes with Jesus’ birth begins with Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the birth of their son, John.
Their story echoes with the laughter of Abraham and Sarah’s gift of a child in their old age. This child’s name was Isaac, which literally means “laughter.” Both of these stories remind us of both God’s intention to use everyday folks to do great things and also His sense of humor.
I write about all of this in my Heartlight.org post today, Season of Joy. But there are some questions that I’d love your input on related to this story and implications for us! (Just comment on this blog post!)
We find ourselves in two situations that challenge our openness to joy: the current difficult economic conditions and also the “busy-ness” of the season. How do we reconnect to the joy of God during these times?
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as the story of Abraham and Sarah that it reflects (Genesis 18), both are told with irony and a touch of humor. Yet frequently we do not notice humor in the great stories of God. Why do think that is so?
Why are awe at the work of God and also the ability to laugh with God both important in our lives and our worship?
Zechariah’s song sounds very much like a quotation of Scripture or an ancient song, why do you think these were the first words out of his mouth?
What is the greatest disappointment you face in your life right now?
What does this story say to you about the work of God in your life?
Good Afternoon Phil,
I\\\’m so grateful for Luke\\\’s account of the the annunciation of God\\\’s gracious gifts and the tie to Abraham and Sarah. I am so grateful to see God\\\’s love for His people come full circle (as it does time and time again).
I wish I knew why so many at church lose their wonder for God\\\’s wonderful sense of humor. One of the biggest setbacks to our appreciation and wonder is that they\\\’ve been replaced by a \\"reverence and fear\\" that really isn\\\’t biblical.If God truly is who he says he is and Jesus truly did what he came to do AND
I live like I really believe it then why can\\\’t I act like I\\\’m part of the family I belong to. One of the highest forms of worship (if there is such a thing)I can partake in is a good belly laugh and sense of wonder at God\\\’s outrageous sense of humor and share that with those around me.
One of the ways I hope to stay connected through the holiday is to be centered in the joy that a Saviour is born and refuse to participate in conspicuous consumption. Our gifts this year are simple and homemade (with the exception of some books from the church bookstore). Our home is open (even to strangers) and our friends are welcome to stop in to the \\"ALWAYS ON COFFEE POT\\". We don\\\’t schedule anything if we can help it other than to be available for others. There\\\’s something about serving that allows God to show up and show out.
Thanks and God Bless,
Gre
Greg Joel
8 Dec 08 at 3:30 pm
These are great questions Phil!
AWE and Wonder and Fun~~
I have for a couple of years now been trying to understand how to really flesh out my FREEDOM in Christ. It feels kind of complicated at times because I know I am sinful in my flesh, yet His mercy and grace are so awesome. Maybe this comes under the heading “work out your salvation” just how does that look in my life? I think it is an evolution of me becoming who I am in Christ, who He made me to be. And constantly learning of who He really is.
I constantly struggle with am I pleasing God and can I be having fun at the same time? I think we take ourselves too seriously, Torah Syndrom on one side of the pendulum, and too “Spiritual” and absolute abandonment on the other.
It’s a difficult thing to wrap my heart and mind around This God who must Judge because it is His character and also gives extreme Mercy because it is His character. Who has a great sense of humor, and gives us so many gifts, like laughter and sorrow. Who stoops down into the mud and muck to be born in a manger just so I can possibly concieve that He can relate to me. Yet He dwells in the heavenly realm.
maybe this is the Awe factor? wonder of wonders?
Sherry
9 Dec 08 at 10:12 am
well I\’ve been stewing over this one for a while…and just trying to \"get over it, for crying out loud\", sadly enough my biggest disapointment is that my b-day is 5 days before Christmas, and it\’s really tough, because I always feel like it would be an inconvenience to ask anyone to take time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me. I feel like a big whine bag.. and then I think Jesus is probably disapointed a zillion times more…every one pretending to celebrate \"His\" Birthday and all the fuss to \"Christmas Shop\" and \"decorate\". Really makes me angry that everyone is more concerned about retailers saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, than they are about celebrating my Lord and Savior. Personally I would prefer they not use Christ at all to advertise, that is the real crime in my opinon. and subsequently my whole attitude toward christmas is pretty pathetic to say the least
I LOVE YOU JESUS! May your name be praised and exulted on high…
just one more thought, someone told me tonight that JOY to The WORLD was written in reference to Christ\’s return, WOW gave me a great new perspective on the song.
Sherry
13 Dec 08 at 11:41 pm
Sherry….I was out of town and just now reading the site. I’m wishing you a belated happy birthday…and a wonderful year in the Lord. God must surely have smiled the day you were born. May you have great and abundant JOY.
Dottie
Dottie
22 Dec 08 at 1:03 pm